Eiteljorg Museum
#8 in Best Things To Do in Indianapolis
Details
scorecard
- 3.5Value
- 4.5Facilities
- 4.0Atmosphere
If you're interested in learning more about the art, history and cultures of the American West and Native Americans, then a stop at the Eiteljorg Museum is a must. Another selling point: The Eiteljorg Museum is the only museum of its kind stationed in the Midwest, and one of only two museums east of the Mississippi that explore both Native America and the American West.
Its permanent collection includes works from Andy Warhol, N.C. Wyeth, T.C. Cannon and Frederic Remington, among many others. But the real star may be the museum's collection of contemporary Native art, which has been ranked among the world's best. And then there are the special exhibitions, which have covered subjects like Jewish life in the West and the works of seminal artists like Ansel Adams and Georgia O'Keeffe. Plus, each year the museum hosts a variety of Western and Native artists in residence.
Recent visitors were pleasantly surprised with the abundance of pieces at the Eiteljorg Museum and said it's able to deftly explore both Native American history and culture through its educational exhibits. Others felt the size was just right; not too overwhelming and not too small. Travelers also praised the on-site cafe, which offers a full menu of small bites, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and Mexican dishes.
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission for adults costs $12; youths between the ages of 5 and 17 get in for $6, while children 4 and younger can enter for free. The Eiteljorg Museum is located in White River State Park, about a mile southwest of downtown Indy.
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2 of 8#1 Central Canal
The Central Canal, which also goes by the name Indy Canal Walk, was born in the 1840s when the Indiana state government was trying to bring more commerce to the city. But soon after, the state found itself bankrupt and the plans for a 296-mile waterway were shelved. Today, the Central Canal is a 3-mile loop that flows by the Indiana State Museum, Victory Field, the Indianapolis Zoo and the 250-acre White River State Park, among other popular attractions. You can walk alongside the canal or book a segway tour, but you can also hire a gondolier or rent a pedal boat or kayak.
Whatever mode of transport you choose, you'll enjoy a spectacular view of the Indianapolis skyline, not to mention a 17-foot waterfall, some of the city's best contemporary architecture, and memorials to the U.S.S. Indianapolis and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Keep your eye out for colorful murals on the canal underpasses, too. According to recent visitors, this is the spot for quiet relaxation in Indy. Aside from the peaceful atmosphere, travelers also love how clean the area is, calling the Central Canal an "asset to Indiana."
The Central Canal, which also goes by the name Indy Canal Walk, was born in the 1840s when the Indiana state government was trying to bring more commerce to the city. But soon after, the state found itself bankrupt and the plans for a 296-mile waterway were shelved. Today, the Central Canal is a 3-mile loop that flows by the Indiana State Museum, Victory Field, the Indianapolis Zoo and the 250-acre White River State Park, among other popular attractions. You can walk alongside the canal or book a segway tour, but you can also hire a gondolier or rent a pedal boat or kayak.
Whatever mode of transport you choose, you'll enjoy a spectacular view of the Indianapolis skyline, not to mention a 17-foot waterfall, some of the city's best contemporary architecture, and memorials to the U.S.S. Indianapolis and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Keep your eye out for colorful murals on the canal underpasses, too. According to recent visitors, this is the spot for quiet relaxation in Indy. Aside from the peaceful atmosphere, travelers also love how clean the area is, calling the Central Canal an "asset to Indiana."
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